The Two Month Marker

I have been in France now for two whole months! That is completely unfathomable to me. It seems like I have been planning this experience for months and months, and is flying right by. But I am truly enjoying every minute of being here. Getting to a French town has been one of the greatest opportunities of my life, and I will always treasure the memories I have made here. I have thoroughly enjoyed making friends with and getting to know the people in my group. We all came from different schools, states, and backgrounds. I'm satisfied to have chosen a program where I would interact with people of different schools rather than choosing to go with my own school. My friends and I enjoy doing things such as going out for coffee, getting drinks, window shopping, or promenading. My friend and I particularly like a cafe called Pain and Cie- its rather large, has hardwood floors, unfinished brick walls, and high ceilings. The tables are thick and wooden with metal chairs. We love this place primarily because of the space, sometimes we tend to feel a little claustrophobic at some other places we have tried. The cafe here is delightful- I usually order either a "cafe" which is an espresso, or a cafe au lait- which is essentially milk and coffee steamed, and it is served in a big bowl rather than a cup. I love to splurge on this drink once a week- its just really yummy! This place also has divine desserts. Im serious on this one. Once my friend Ali and I slpit cheesecake- lovely. I had a cake once which was chocolate layers, with some sort of nutty, praline tasting bottom layer, and the chocolate was light and fluffy, and just melted in my mouth. It was delicious I must say. I have yet to have one, but this place serves waffles "gauffres" and they look wonderful. I really need to try one, the sooner the better! On Fridays, my friends Abbie, Ali, and I (triple A) enjoy going out for lunch. When I say go out, I mean we choose sandwiches or something to-goish. Recently, we have taken to having a picnic in the park with cheese, nutella, and a baguette. Simple as it may be my friends, there are few things as satisfying as this on a crisp, blue sky day.
I am now also fond of going out for drinks on the weekends since the drinking age is 18 here. Its really nice to meet up with friends and grab a pint or glass of wine, and just chat. I will say that I am always responsible with my drinks, and I always know my limit, and respect that limit. In return for this respect, my body happily wakes up on Sunday mornings to go for a run in the Minstral Park, which is a large park in Grenoble by the Stadium. The park is actually dedicated to people who killed and persecuted in WWII and to the Armenian genocide. People are always running, walking dogs, playing with children, or just relaxing on the benches. I love to come here not only for running, but for meditation and to clear my mind. My boyfriend Leo and I also come here and walk around the cirlces for hours, and sometimes sit on a bench and people watch. The Belledonnes mountains are in full view from here, and on claer days one can see the snow and rocks, and they the most gorgeous back drop anyone could want to run in front of.
Speaking of my boyfriend, his name is Leo and he is Brazillian. We met at a social for international students, and we hit it off amazingly well. I have gotten to know some of his Brazillian friends who live with him, and they are all nice and super welcoming. I envisioned making French friends here, but I am happy with what has happened. Im experiening and learning French culture with someone else who is doing the same, I get to learn some Brazillian culture, and I share American culture. I think meeting new people is a great way to learn new things. I have also tried learning a little Portugese (fairly unsuccessful, but Im trying!).
This is a little taste of my life at the moment- Im having a fabulous time, and once again, I am so thankful to have this opprotunity, and thankful for the support I have received at home from my family, friends, and advisors-without, I would not be here in France.